Strictly Come Dancing 2023 winner Ellie Leach has returned to social media following her triumph, sharing a heartfelt declaration of 'love' for her professional partner Vito Coppola. The 22-year-old former Coronation Street actress posted a black-and-white polaroid of the couple lifting the glitterball trophy, accompanied by a lengthy caption expressing her gratitude.
'To the most wonderful partner I could have ever asked for. Words cannot describe how much love and admiration I have for you,' she wrote. Leach credited Coppola with believing in her when she couldn't believe in herself, adding that he reminded her to have fun and push herself out of her comfort zone. She described their bond as 'a bond and a friendship that will never be matched.'
Coppola, 31, responded emotionally, admitting he was 'crying' but assured fans it was 'tears of happiness.' He told Leach that she already had the light within her and he had merely 'helped you to see yourself for what you really are.' He concluded with a promise: 'This is just the beginning Lulú.'
Their exchange comes after the pair wowed viewers during Saturday's final with three routines, including a daring show dance, clinching the trophy over runners-up Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.
